USA Cycling Creates Junior Gravel National Series

USA Cycling has partnered with Life Time, SBT GRVL and Valley of Tears to launch the Junior Gravel National Series, a five-race series for junior riders aged 15-18.

The USA Cycling Junior Gravel National Series will consist of five events across the country and four competition categories — 15-16 men, 15-16 women, 17-18 men and 17-18 women. Riders must participate in at least three events to be included in the series standings, with their three best finishes counting toward their overall score.

“We are working closely with event organizers and industry partners to build a foundation for the future,” said Kyle Knott, USA Cycling’s director of national events. “This series is just the beginning of a broader initiative to expand opportunities for junior riders across multiple cycling disciplines. The USA Cycling Junior Gravel National Series represents a bold step forward in our efforts to expand youth participation in gravel, a discipline that offers a unique bridge between road and off-road cycling.”

The first event, Valley of Tears Gravel, takes place March 8, 2025, in Turkey, Texas. The Life Time Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, California, follows on April 11. The Life Time UNBOUND Gravel race in Emporia, Kansas, will be on May 31. SBT GRVL presented by Wahoo comes to Steamboat Springs, Colorado, on June 29. The final race will be the USA Cycling Gravel National Championships, September 20, 2025, in La Crescent, Minnesota.

“SBT GRVL presented by Wahoo is honored to be a stepping stone on the road for junior riders to develop their gravel racing skills within the U.S.,” said Amy Charity, co-founding partner and chief executive officer of SBT GRVL. “We are proud to call America the birthplace of gravel and excited to see USA Cycling and like-minded events working together to build a series that provides a clear path to compete and achieve recognition at a national level.”

At the conclusion of each series event, each athlete receives a score equivalent to their placement in that event. The rider with the lowest total score from their top three finishes will be crowned the overall winner in their respective category.

All series participants will have exclusive access to a special discounted registration rate for the 2025 USA Cycling Gravel National Championships. Additionally, the top three finishers in each series event leading up to the National Championships will earn a $50 credit toward their registration fee.

“Partnering with USA Cycling to develop and expand youth gravel cycling is a natural next step in this mission,” said Kristi Mohn from Life Time Off Road Events. “We’re excited to see the development of young riders and look forward to working not only with USA Cycling but with gravel events nationwide to inspire more youth and families to discover the joy of cycling.”

Top-ranked riders will be invited to a USA Cycling Junior Talent Identification Camp in October 2025. The invitation-only camp provides athletes with a pathway into elite-level road racing and an Olympic discipline.

“Valley of Tears is thrilled to host the first race of the 2025 Junior Gravel National Series,” said Christian Fairly of the Fairly Family. “By partnering with USA Cycling, we have the opportunity to help support aspiring young American cyclists — something USA Cycling did 20 years ago for my brother Caleb — by providing young athletes a platform to challenge themselves and develop their skills. We look forward to seeing these talented juniors find their limits and carry the spirit of gravel cycling forward.”

2025 Junior Gravel National Series Schedule

March 8: Valley of Tears Gravel, Turkey, Texas
April 11: Life Time Sea Otter Classic presented by Continental, Monterey, California
May 31: Life Time UNBOUND Gravel, Emporia, Kansas
June 29: SBT GRVL presented by Wahoo, Steamboat Springs, Colorado
September 20: USA Cycling Gravel National Championships, La Crescent, Minnesota